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Roy Nelson, PhD

Fee £50.00 (concession rate £40.00) - fee will amend when you select the appropriate fee rate below.

New Year 2026

5 weekly sessions on Tuesdays 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm, starting 27 January

In this course you will begin to understand how a plant functions, is crucial to appreciating their role in our environment.As primary producers, plants form the foundation of the ecosystems we see today. Their survival and growth are intertwined with the lives of many animals and fungi, resulting in a complex web of interactions.Plants capture energy from the sun through photosynthesis, which drives their growth and leads to the diverse forms we observe.This process involves several fascinating mechanisms, such as nutrient absorption through roots, leaf structures designed to harness sunlight, and growth patterns that establish the plant's form.Studying these mechanisms reveals the vast variety of plant life in our landscapes and gardens.On completion of the course you will learn how plants capture energy in different ways, and gain insights into their relationships with their surroundings, including other plants, fungi, and various animals. For example, plants have unique ways of measuring time, moving to maximize sunlight exposure, and displaying a range of colours as they grow and change with the seasons. This knowledge helps us understand the vital role plants play in maintaining the balance of our natural world.

This class will take place on QUB campus

Support Requirements

If as a result of your disability you have support requirements, please complete a support needs form and return it 3 weeks before your class commences. The form is available to download here under the Facilities and Support for Disabled Students section or contact the office on 90 973323.

Data Protection Act 2018 - GDPR

The information you provide below will be added to our Open Learning database, which is held securely by Queen's University Belfast, and will be treated confidentially. We will only use this information to provide you with the services you have enrolled for.